Sally Hirst

Contact Details

Artist Statement

Line, pattern and shape are significant in my work. Line helps describe and convey meaning; the more fluid the line, the more energy and movement is expressed. I use pattern and shape to deconstruct the space and reassemble it somewhere between abstraction and realism. Colour is used to convey meaning, to evoke memory and emotion.

As a printmaker I enjoy creating multiples and series of prints. The city prints are based on streets in Norwich. The ideas start from walking and recording the city, exploring the diversity of the architecture, the hidden views, textures and patterns. The recent still life prints explore both the symbolism of the everyday objects and an increasing interest in Japanese patterns. The abstract square prints are an ongoing series in which I explore new techniques and possibilities. My prints are made using a combination of both modern and traditional techniques. After the seemingly endless design stage the drawings are etched onto photopolymer plates or cut into lino. The plates are then inked and pulled by hand on my 19c Albion press, or run through an etching press. Each design is printed as two editions; one colour and one black.

Previous Exhibitions

• Gainsborough’s House, Suffolk
  Drawings for all
• Open Studios, Cambridge
• Babylon Gallery, Ely
• The Old Fire Engine House, Ely
  Ouse Life
• Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich
  Twenty-five Exhibition
• Open Studios, Norfolk
• Leicester Print Workshop touring Exhibition
  Small Print Big; Impression
• The Forum, Norwich
  Art for City Living